Key Highlights
- England boss Thomas Tuchel confirms Ezri Konsa will not travel due to a calf injury.
- England have won all seven games in the current qualification campaign without conceding any goals.
- Tuchel states his team’s focus is on building and growing, rather than on records or history.
- Kane discusses motivation for an unimportant game as England seeks to maintain their clean sheet streak.
England Set for Unbeaten Streak Test Against Albania
Thomas Tuchel, the manager of the English national football team, faces a key challenge this weekend in an upcoming World Cup qualifier against Albania. The team has been on a remarkable run, having not conceded any goals in their last seven games and maintaining an unbeaten record throughout.
Tuchel’s Pre-Game Assessment
During the pre-match press conference, Tuchel addressed several key issues, including player fitness, upcoming opponents, and his team’s approach to history-making records. He revealed that defender Ezri Konsa will remain in London for further medical assessment due to a calf tightness issue.
Tuchel emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on building the foundation rather than dwelling on current achievements: “We need to get the foundation right to have a chance to have these records. Just by thinking about it or talking about it nothing will change, we need to deliver tomorrow again.” This sentiment reflects Tuchel’s strategic approach and his desire for continuous improvement.
Team Dynamics and Kane’s Perspective
Harry Kane, the team captain and top scorer, also provided insights into the mindset of the squad. Kane highlighted the team’s motivation despite qualification having already been secured: “There’s still a lot of motivation. The last game in an England shirt for the year is always important to win for momentum.” His comments underscore the dedication of the players, even when not riding on the outcome.
Kane also reflected on his teammate Declan Rice‘s importance: “Elliot and Declan are at the moment ahead in midfield. They are a very good pair and complement each other very well.” This indicates the trust Tuchel places in his key players to perform under pressure.
The Opponent: Albania’s Strength
Tuchel acknowledged that Albania poses a significant challenge, having only conceded three goals in their qualifying campaign. He stated, “Now we see Albania are well deserved to be second place. It is very difficult to create and convert chances against them.” This evaluation highlights the strategic focus required for the game.
Albania’s player Armando Broja, whom Tuchel knows from his time at Chelsea, could present a threat due to his directness and speed. Tuchel emphasized the need for the team to be prepared: “We know a clean sheet can always break in football.” This reflects Tuchel’s tactical acumen and readiness to adapt.
Conclusion
The upcoming match against Albania will be critical for England as they aim to continue their unbeaten streak without conceding any goals. With Tuchel focused on the process and Kane maintaining team unity, the English national team is set to face a tough but well-prepared opponent.
